Mark L. Clifford

January 15, 2020

The View: Companies must help defuse Hong Kong’s crisis, and do what the government can’t

Like the wildfires in Australia, the political flames in Hong Kong burn hotter with each outbreak. Given that the government shows no intention of heeding the public’s voices, corporate Hong Kong must get to work on community engagement. By Executive Director Mark Clifford.

November 19, 2019

The View: Hong Kong protesters have shown they can paralyse businesses. Now can they lead positive change?

Chief Executive Carrie Lam’s strategy of waiting out the protests is not working. Meanwhile, businesses are caught between protesters and pressure from China. Protesters must find creative ways out of the impasse that will not destroy Hong Kong. By Executive Director Mark Clifford.

October 16, 2019

The View: China’s targeting of the NBA shows why it may fail at building soft power – and the Chinese dream

By narrowing the boundaries of commentary, China is gradually alienating outsiders who might see opportunities there. In attacking the NBA, which does not need China and would be difficult to replace, Beijing may have finally gone too far. By Executive Director Mark Clifford.

August 21, 2019

Opinion: As Cathay feels the heat of political risk in China, it’s time to remember lessons of the Mao era

Xi Jinping’s approach highlights how politics has always been in command in China. But nationalistic leaders and web users would do well to remember the losses suffered through extreme political correctness in the Mao era. By Executive Director Mark Clifford.

July 17, 2019

The View: Hong Kong as a financial centre could drown if ‘river water’ from China continues to rise

A more mainland-dominated Hong Kong would threaten the city’s robust regulatory regime, high corporate governance standards, and freedom of the press and information, putting its status as Asia’s financial centre at risk. By Executive Director Mark Clifford.

February 20, 2019

The View: Hong Kong is caught between China and the US in their new cold war – but this isn’t the first time

Hong Kong was branded a ‘dying’ city in the darkest days of the Korean war but rose to the occasion. With a new standoff brewing, it must now bolster the institutions that make it unique. By Asia Business Council Executive Director Mark Clifford.

November 17, 2018

Opinion: The vital importance of keeping the ‘special’ in the Special Administrative Region

Hong Kong needs to cultivate its position as a protected zone between different worlds. Without it, the city is no use to China or the world. By Asia Business Council Executive Director Mark Clifford.

October 13, 2018

Opinion: Curbs on Hong Kong’s freedoms could suck the lifeblood out of the city

The city thrives on a free flow of information and ideas, on discussions and even dissent: without these elements it may not survive as a financial and business center. By Asia Business Council Executive Director Mark Clifford.

February 26, 2017

Decarbonization: Opportunities in ASEAN

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) continues its rapid pace of urbanization and industrialization, making it a bright spot in the global economy. ASEAN’s growth relies on increasing amounts of electricity, and coal is an easy choice because it is cheap, abundant, and reliable. Unlike renewables, coal doesn’t need the sun to shine, the

July 29, 2016

4 Things You Need To Know About China’s Record Solar Installations (They Aren’t All Pretty)

We’re used to big numbers from China, but the reported 20 gigawatts or so of solar power that was installed in the first half of 2016 are worth a close look. By Asia Business Council Executive Director Mark Clifford.

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